'It appeared unfavorable' - Erasmus on Eben Etzebeth red card

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South Africa leader the national team coach acknowledged "the optics weren't great" following veteran forward Eben Etzebeth was dismissed for making contact with an opponent's eye versus the Welsh team

The Springboks achieved an autumn clean sweep by going on the rampage at the Welsh capital registering eleven touchdowns during a 73-0 win

Yet virtually the concluding moment of the annual campaign involved the lock forward, who scored the last try being dismissed through the decision of the match referee

The experienced player was shown a sending-off for making contact the facial region of the Welsh player the back-row forward using his thumb during late-game altercation

"It's difficult to say what to comment without causing debate. The visual was unfavorable and it was a proper sending-off," stated the manager

"The manner it occurred and what prompted it, if he was instigated, it's unclear, however it's certainly not the manner that we would have liked to conclude the match. In my view that the optics were great"

The second-row forward, who extended his Springboks record when winning cap number 141 during the match, appears likely to be given a lengthy ban

His domestic franchise commence their Champions Cup campaign at Toulouse early December followed by a home fixture facing the London side plus local rivalries over the festive period

The reigning titleholders overpowered Wales during the match that became unbalanced from the start

Steve Tandy's reign has commenced with multiple significant losses against top-tier nations plus a narrow victory facing the Brave Blossoms

The national side has experienced numerous losses in current form however the manager sought to offer some comfort

"In my opinion our team has been developing and advancing, this demonstrated a measured showing," he stated

"Wales are not guys that just roll over yield to pressure, they battle continuously. This demonstrated an exceptionally precise display with our team displaying our soul out on the game"

"The Welsh possess a great coach and will come back. We know it can change as demonstrated in 1998 we defeated them (by a huge margin) subsequently fell in 1999"

The national team finish the year top of world rugby following victories in consecutive southern hemisphere crowns

The world champions have showcased their extensive squad strength and prowess yet Erasmus pointed to when they were ranked sixth

"We experienced similar circumstances and people were burning jerseys, yet Welsh supporters remain," he commented

"The backing exists and the players have the fight. Get one or two wins, build momentum and things will change

"I'm aware that situations transformed from 2016, when we were nowhere, achieving global success. Anything is possible"

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• Rugby in Wales
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